Rockford Odyssey takes on the world

Rockford’s Odyssey of the Mind teams were among competitors for state titles on Saturday, April 16, and 10 of the 11 teams sent to state finals placed in sixth and above. Five teams placed third to sixth, receiving honorable mention status at state finals, and five teams will be advancing to world finals, placing first or second. This is another record set for Rockford Odyssey of the Mind, 10 out of 11 teams receiving honors.

This East Rockford Middle School Odyssey of the Mind team took first place in Division II at state competition. Pictured are (back row) Joey Miller, James Anderson, Jaci Hagedorn and Grace Garner, (front row) Bridget Lass, Sean Lausin and Rachel Cruden.

The Cannonsburg Elementary B team took ninth and was coached by Susan Witte. With this accomplishment, the team did not place but still scored a top 10 win.

The Cannonsburg Elementary team A took a sixth-place win under the direction of Coach Karen Dufendach. This earned them an honorable mention.

The Valley View Elementary team A had an amazing performance which won them a third-place win. They were coached by Joan Lawton and earned the placement of bronze medalists.

North Rockford Middle School’s team C earned a sixth-place win. They are coached by Joni Colovos, Shari Waldvogel and Michele Ferguson. This earned them an honorable mention.

Rockford High School took third place and were recognized as bronze medalists.

Roguewood Elementary team A earned a fifth-place win under Coach Wendy Goushaw. They also earned an honorable mention.

The Belmont Elementary Odyssey of the Mind team took first place at state in Division I. Pictured are (l.–r.) Joseph Besta, Kevin Klein, Nicholas Besta, Alex Anthony, Caleigh Dunn, Molly Younker and Hailey Delacher.

North Rockford Middle School’s (NRMS) A team brought home an amazing second-place win under Coach Catherine Behrendt and will continue on as a world finalist team.

North Rockford Middle School’s B team also wowed judges and brought them a second-place win under Coach Deb Playford. They will also go on to compete as a world finalist team.

Belmont Elementary earned their place in world competition by taking a first-place win under Coach Terry Younker.

Also going on to compete in the world finals was the Roguewood Elementary B team with a stunning first-place win under the guidance of Coach Jen Masternak.

Finally, the East Rockford Middle School team, which also has NRMS team members, brought home highest honors with a first-place win under Coach Sue Hagedorn. They will be joining the Rockford “crowd” that will compete against other Odyssey of the Mind teams from around the globe as a world finalist team.

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